Cyprus’ development into a major base of international maritime operations and the phenomenal growth of its Merchant Shipping Registry, currently ranking 5th in the list of leading maritime nations as opposed to 29th just ten years ago , it is by no means accidental. The immediate objective of the island with regard to merchant shipping is to enhance the quality of the tonnage flying the Cypriot flag, their crews and operators. The Cypriot government has taken steps significantly to strengthen and reorganise its maritime administration, which has come under strain in recent years as a result of the exceptional fleet growth and increasing international safety and pollution prevention requirements. With regard to the International Safety Management Code, introduced as a new chapter of SOLAS 74, the government has already decided to proceed with its early implementation. The criteria set out by the International Maritime organization and the European Union for the assignment of tasks to non-governmental organizations has been adopted. Further, the government has decided to authorize recognised Classification Societies and members of the International Association of Classification Societies to conduct audits and issue certain certificates. The Cypriot authorities have become increasingly pro-active in their promotion of the shipping industry. Their efforts have turned the Cypriot flag from one of convenience to one of necessity.
Cyprus’ development into a major base of international maritime operations and the phenomenal growth of its Merchant Shipping Registry, currently ranking 5th in the list of leading maritime nations as opposed to 29th just ten years ago , it is by no means accidental.
The immediate objective of the island with regard to merchant shipping is to enhance the quality of the tonnage flying the Cypriot flag, their crews and operators. The Cypriot government has taken steps significantly to strengthen and reorganise its maritime administration, which has come under strain in recent years as a result of the exceptional fleet growth and increasing international safety and pollution prevention requirements.
With regard to the International Safety Management Code, introduced as a new chapter of SOLAS 74, the government has already decided to proceed with its early implementation. The criteria set out by the International Maritime organization and the European Union for the assignment of tasks to non-governmental organizations has been adopted. Further, the government has decided to authorize recognised Classification Societies and members of the International Association of Classification Societies to conduct audits and issue certain certificates.
The Cypriot authorities have become increasingly pro-active in their promotion of the shipping industry. Their efforts have turned the Cypriot flag from one of convenience to one of necessity.